that you will have your teacher available all week instead of just one or

two days a week. This translates to greater flexibility in lesson

schedules, chamber coachings, and recital planning; availability for

drop-in questions/concerns, etc.

2) Scholarship funding: Shenandoah wants to recruit. You want to be

recruited. This is in no way a guarantee of monies for whomever might

know how to hold a bassoon, but it does increase the likelihood that a

talented player will receive competitive funding.

3) Small studio size equals greater individual attention and more playing

opportunities

4) The conservatory offers a wide range of degrees: Performance,

education, therapy, production and recording, theater, dance, etc. So, not only do you have a broad array of possibilities for your own training, you are also in

daily contact with an incredible mix of students and teachers who each

experience and communicate their artistry through a variety of lenses.

5) Shenandoah is a community: Being a small school, the faculty and

students tend to develop meaningful professional relationships that last

for years. (Having gone to a large state school for undergrad, I must say

I don't even recall half of my teachers and they certainly do not remember

me.)

6) Spring Break: SU has a competitive program, titled the Global Citizenship Project (GCP), that sends groups of students and faculty to various locations in the world (at no cost for the student) for spring break in order to better learn about the ways people in other countries live, work, and interact. (Students can go once during their degree at Shenandoah, provided their essay is selected.)